Improvement in concussion-fuse for shells



"W, F. GOODWIN. v

Shell-Fuse.

Patented Nov. 15, 1864.

N.FZVERS, FHOTO-LITHOGRAPHER WASHINGYON D. C.

\VM. F. GOODWIN, OF NE\V YORK, N. Y.

IMPROVEMENT IN CONCUSSION-FUSE FOR SHELLS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 45,035, dated November15, 1864.

To aZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, WVILLIAM F. GooDwIN, of the city, county, and Stateof New York, have invented a new and Improved Combined Shell and Fuse;and I do hereby declare the following to be a full and exact descriptionof the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, makingpart of this specification, in which Figure l is a side elevation of acombined shell and fuse illustrating my invention. Fig. 2 is a frontview of the same. Fig. 3 is a central longitudinal section of the same,the fuse being shown in elevation. Fig. 4 is a transverse sectionthereof at 00 00, Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a central longitudinal section ofthe fuse, illustrating the manner of effecting the explosion of theshell at the instant it falls 'or strikes. Fig. 6 is a transversesection of the fuse at 3 y, Flg'. 5, looking backward. Fig. 7 is atransverse section thereof at z z, Fig. 5, looking backward.

In Figs. 5, 6, and 7 the fuse is shown on an enlarged scale toillustrate its construction more clearly.

Like letters of reference indicate like parts in all the figures.

The subject of my present invention is a combined shell and fuse adaptedto be ignited by fire from the projecting charge without the aid of aquick-match, and exploded instantaneously on striking or falling; and itcon sists in providing within the fuse-stock a sec tional tube ofpeculiar construction, adapted to be embedded in meal-powder, so thatwhen the latter is partially burned away the falling or striking of theshell will result in the instantaneous separation of the tube, and thuscause fire to be communicated to the interior of the shell through anaperture in the rear end of the fuse.

The following description will enable any one skilled in the art towhich my invention appertains to fully understand and use the same.

A represents an elongated shell, the exterior of which is, bypreference, made of cylindrical form.

B B B represent a series of longitudinal grooves extending from the rearof the shell nearly to its forward end, but leaving in front an unbrokenbelt, (1, extending completely around the shell, and intended to closelyfit the bore of the piece with which it is to be used.

O O are perforations extending from the forward ends of the grooves Binwardly to the fuse-aperture. The fuse D is completely closed in frontbya screw-cap,E, and is screw-threaded at (Z, for the purpose ofsecuring it in the shell in customary manner, as shown in Fig. 3.

At or near the mid-length of the thread (2 is a groove, F, surroundingthe fuse and forming a connecting-channel between the inner ends of theperforations O G, and similar pen forations, G G G, leading to theinterior of the fuse itself.

H H H represent parts of a sectional or divided tube, closed in frontand secured at its 7 rear end in an aperture-prepared for it in the rearof the fuse. Each section of this tube is formed with a projectionfitting a corresponding socket in the adjoining end of the next section,so that they may hold together with sufficient force to hold the tube inhorizontal position. Vhen so held together, the tube communicates withthe interior of the shell chamber, but not with the interior of the fusechamber. v

I represents an aperture in the rear of the fuse, through which fire iscommunicated to the interior of the shell when the explosion is notpreviously effected by concussion, as hereinafter explained.

Operation: To prepare the fuse for use, the tube H H H is placed inposition axially within the fuse, and is so secured by packingmeal-powder around it. The cap E is then applied, and the interior ofthe tube is charged from the rear with rifle-powder. The fuse is thenready for insertion in the charged shell. O11 firing the gun thepressure of the burning gases forces them through the grooves B F andperforations O G to the interior of the fuse, where they ignite the mealpowder, which continues to burn as the shell pursues its flight.Immediately 011 the striking of the shell upon the ground or against anyopposing body such sections of the tube as may have been released by theburning away of the powder are detached from the remainder, scatteringthe rifle-powder upon the burning mass and causing fire to beinstantaneously communicated to the bursting-charge within the shell. Iffrom any cause the explosion of the shell should not be thus effectedbefore the a, at the front of the shell, by confining the gases causesthem to be forced with greater certainty into the fuse.

Having thus described my invention, the following is what I claim as newtherein and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

A eoncussioufnse provided with a sectional tub, H H H constructed andadapted to 0p erate in the manner and for the purposes herein described.

\VM. 1:. GOOD WIN.

XVituesses:

QCTAVIUS KNIGHT, CHARLES 1). SMITH.

